Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for imaging a tooth surface, the method executed at least in part on a computer, comprising: directing an excitation signal toward the tooth from a scan head; obtaining a depth-resolved response signal emanating from the tooth, wherein the response signal encodes tooth surface structure information; segmenting liquid and tooth surface from the depth-resolved response signal; adjusting the tooth surface structure information using the refractive index of the segmented liquid; reconstructing a 3D image of the tooth according to the depth-resolved response signal and the adjusted tooth surface structure information; and displaying, storing, or transmitting the 3D image content.
This invention relates to dental imaging, specifically a method for capturing high-resolution 3D images of tooth surfaces while accounting for liquid interference. The problem addressed is the distortion caused by saliva or other liquids on the tooth surface during optical scanning, which can obscure accurate depth measurements. The method uses a scan head to direct an excitation signal (e.g., light or ultrasound) toward the tooth and captures a depth-resolved response signal containing structural information. The system segments the response signal to distinguish between liquid and tooth surface regions. By applying the refractive index of the segmented liquid, the method corrects distortions in the tooth surface data. A 3D image is then reconstructed from the adjusted data and can be displayed, stored, or transmitted. This approach improves imaging accuracy in wet environments, which is critical for dental diagnostics, treatment planning, and prosthodontics. The technique leverages computational adjustments to compensate for optical or acoustic refraction, ensuring precise surface mapping. The method may be implemented in dental scanners, intraoral cameras, or other imaging systems requiring high-fidelity tooth surface reconstruction.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the excitation signal is a broadband light signal.
A method for optical sensing involves generating an excitation signal to interact with a sample, detecting a response signal from the sample, and analyzing the response to determine properties of the sample. The excitation signal is a broadband light signal, meaning it contains a wide range of wavelengths or frequencies. This broadband excitation allows for simultaneous interrogation of multiple spectral features in the sample, improving measurement efficiency and accuracy. The detected response signal may include reflected, transmitted, or scattered light, which is processed to extract information such as composition, concentration, or structural characteristics of the sample. The method may be applied in various fields, including spectroscopy, biomedical diagnostics, material analysis, and environmental monitoring, where broadband light sources enable comprehensive and rapid assessment of sample properties. The use of broadband excitation enhances the system's ability to capture detailed spectral information, making it suitable for applications requiring high-resolution or multi-spectral analysis.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the excitation signal is a pulsed or modulated laser source.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the excitation signal is an acoustic signal.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the depth-resolved response signal is an acoustic signal.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein reconstructing the 3D image of the tooth comprises generating an optical coherence tomography image.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein adjusting the tooth surface includes performing geometric calibration.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising rendering of the reconstructed 3D image.
This invention relates to the field of 3D imaging and visualization, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately reconstructing and displaying three-dimensional images from captured data. The method involves processing input data to generate a reconstructed 3D image, which is then rendered for visualization. The reconstruction process may include techniques such as depth mapping, point cloud generation, or volumetric modeling to convert raw sensor data into a structured 3D representation. The rendering step enhances the reconstructed image for display, applying techniques like shading, texture mapping, or perspective correction to improve visual clarity and realism. The method ensures that the final rendered output maintains high fidelity to the original captured data, making it suitable for applications in medical imaging, industrial inspection, or virtual reality. The invention improves upon existing systems by integrating advanced reconstruction algorithms with optimized rendering pipelines, reducing computational overhead while enhancing image quality. The rendered 3D image can be displayed on various output devices, including monitors, holographic displays, or augmented reality interfaces, depending on the application requirements. This approach provides a more efficient and accurate way to visualize complex 3D data compared to traditional methods.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the depth-resolved response signal is 1D data or a 2D or 3D image.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the scan head is hand-held or fixed inside the mouth.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluid is water, saliva, or blood.
This invention relates to a method for analyzing biological fluids, specifically water, saliva, or blood, to detect or measure specific components. The method involves collecting a sample of the fluid, preparing it for analysis, and then using a detection system to identify or quantify target substances within the sample. The detection system may employ techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, or electrochemical sensing to analyze the fluid. The method is designed to provide accurate and reliable results for applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, or industrial processes. The invention addresses the need for efficient and precise fluid analysis, particularly in scenarios where rapid detection or continuous monitoring is required. The method can be adapted for use in portable or automated systems, making it suitable for field testing or point-of-care diagnostics. The preparation step may include filtering, diluting, or chemically treating the sample to enhance detection sensitivity or accuracy. The invention ensures that the analysis is performed under controlled conditions to minimize interference from contaminants or other substances present in the fluid. The method is particularly useful for detecting biomarkers, pollutants, or other analytes of interest in real-time or near-real-time.
12. A method for imaging a tooth surface, the method executed at least in part on a computer, comprising: directing an excitation light or acoustic signal toward the tooth from a scan head; obtaining an acoustic response signal from the tooth in response to the excitation light or acoustic signal, wherein the acoustic response signal encodes tooth surface structure information; segmenting liquid and tooth surface from the acoustic response signal; adjusting the tooth surface structure information based at least in part on the refractive index of the segmented liquid; reconstructing a 3D image of the tooth according to the acoustic response signal and the adjusted tooth surface structure information; and displaying, storing, or transmitting a portion of the reconstructed 3D image.
This invention relates to dental imaging, specifically a method for capturing detailed 3D images of tooth surfaces using acoustic signals. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately imaging tooth surfaces submerged in liquid, such as saliva or water, due to refractive index variations that distort optical or acoustic measurements. The method involves directing an excitation light or acoustic signal toward a tooth from a scan head. The tooth generates an acoustic response signal containing structural information about its surface. The system then segments the liquid and tooth surface within the response signal. To correct for distortions caused by the liquid, the tooth surface structure information is adjusted based on the refractive index of the segmented liquid. A 3D image of the tooth is reconstructed using the corrected data, and the resulting image can be displayed, stored, or transmitted. This approach improves imaging accuracy in wet environments, which is critical for dental diagnostics and treatments. The method leverages acoustic signal processing to overcome limitations of traditional optical imaging in dental applications.
13. An apparatus for imaging a tooth surface comprising: a signal generator that is configured to generate an optical or acoustic signal; a probe that is configured to scan the generated signal to the tooth for imaging and to sense a feedback depth-resolved signal from the tooth; a control logic processor that is programmed with stored instructions that control the signal generator, acquire the sensed feedback signal from the tooth, generate depth-resolved data from the acquired feedback signal, segment intraoral fluid and tooth surface from the generated depth-resolved data, adjust the segmented tooth surface data using the refractive index of the intraoral fluid, and form a 3D image of the tooth surface; and a display in signal communication with the control logic processor.
This invention relates to a dental imaging apparatus designed to capture high-resolution 3D images of tooth surfaces, addressing challenges in accurately imaging teeth due to intraoral fluids and refractive distortions. The apparatus includes a signal generator that produces either optical or acoustic signals for scanning the tooth surface. A probe directs these signals toward the tooth and detects feedback signals that contain depth-resolved information. A control logic processor processes the feedback signals to generate depth-resolved data, distinguishing between intraoral fluids and the actual tooth surface. The processor then adjusts the segmented tooth surface data using the refractive index of the intraoral fluid to correct for distortions caused by fluid interference. The corrected data is used to construct a precise 3D image of the tooth surface, which is displayed on a connected display. This system enables accurate dental imaging by compensating for fluid-related artifacts, improving diagnostic and treatment planning capabilities in dentistry. The apparatus integrates signal generation, scanning, data processing, and refractive correction into a unified system for enhanced tooth surface visualization.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the probe generates an optical signal and senses a feedback acoustic signal.
This invention relates to an apparatus for optical and acoustic signal processing, particularly for applications requiring precise measurement or interaction with a target. The apparatus includes a probe that generates an optical signal, such as a laser or light beam, directed toward a target material or environment. The probe also senses a feedback acoustic signal, which may be generated by the interaction of the optical signal with the target or by an external acoustic source. The apparatus processes this feedback to analyze properties of the target, such as material composition, structural integrity, or environmental conditions. The optical signal may be modulated or adjusted based on the sensed acoustic feedback to improve measurement accuracy or control the interaction. The apparatus may further include signal processing components to convert the acoustic feedback into usable data, such as frequency, amplitude, or phase information. This dual-mode sensing approach enhances the reliability and precision of measurements in fields like non-destructive testing, medical diagnostics, or industrial monitoring. The invention addresses challenges in traditional single-mode sensing systems by combining optical and acoustic feedback for more comprehensive data acquisition.
Unknown
April 6, 2021
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